Modifying Returned Data Using Transforms

Transforms take MicroStrategy data from Intelligence Server and convert it into an output format such as HTML, XML, PDF, WML, and so on. Transforms contain transform parameters, which dictate the behavior of the transform; the value of a transform parameter can be modified to allow the precise behavior of the transform to be changed. To customize with transforms, use them in the following ways:

• Modify a Transform’s Parameters to Change the Behavior and Rendering Options: Modify the values of a transform’s parameters to change how a transform returns data.  

• Control What Data is Displayed and How it is Arranged: Many transforms make use of layout definitions to control the amount of data displayed on the screen and its placement. This topic also discusses the levelFlag parameter that can be used to control the amount of data returned to the screen by a given transform.  

• Modify an Existing Transform by Extending the Java Class: An extended transform inherits the rules of the original transform, but overrides the aspects you want to change.  

Specific combinations of transform parameters and values are saved as styles. Information about all transforms and styles is stored in the Style Catalog Configuration file. Therefore, the place to customize transforms is within the Style Catalog Configuration file.